No, we don’t have Wi-Fi, Talk to each other.

One of the things that I find interesting is that in Guatemala there are free or semi-free Wi-Fi Internet access points everywhere. Sometimes I think only shuco hot dog stands on the streets are the only vendors who do not yet provide free Internet access. On the other hand, when I travel to the U.S. to visit family, I am surprise to find so little free Wi-Fi hotspots and even paid hotspots are hard to come by. I mean you have to visit Starbuck so often just to keep up with email and your online virtual life. I guess the U.S. is not as free-internet-friendly to visitors as Guatemala is.

Of course, all these free Internet access points create other undesired behaviors such as everyone checking their smartphones or iPads while they should be paying attention to the people they have in front of them. Now, most Guatemalans have poor phone etiquette as calls are almost always answered while talking to the people on the table, more attention is paid to trivial updates on Facebook or Twitter instead of giving 100% attention to the people on the other side of the table. So, it comes as no surprise that finding the No Wi-Fi zone sign at the entrance of La Toscana restaurant was such a refreshing experience.

What are your thoughts regarding checking smartphones and tablets while hanging out with friends and family?

Sorry Rudy, I couldn’t understand what you were saying, I was checking my tweeter feed. Je Je
I have to say that I do a pretty good job of not checking mail and fb while out having dinner with company. But when it comes to taking and showing pictures at the table, I am still struggling and wonder if my friends find it as annoying as any other distractions that I may be guilty of? For example: can I show you guys this picture that I have titled ” stumping the master” can you tell me where in Guate this fountain and church are located? (Noticed how I did not say Antigua) Rudy ?

Eric

Rudy, maybe ‘bad etiquette’ is in the eye of the beholder…? I just mentioned to some friends how Guatemalans are so friendly, especially in the coffee houses with free wi-fi. Here in los eeuu, I find complete silence, other than the occasional “HELLO!” shouted into a phone as the person seeks a more private corner. But saying “Hello, where are you from ?” to a stranger is unknown here, in my experience. In guatelinda, even with the wi-fi, there seems plenty to talk about…and plenty of people to talk with. Or, are all those vibrant colors around la Antigua blinding me to the truth again…?

http://antiguadailyphoto.com Rudy

Oh Eric, you are impossible. Guatelinda has won you over.

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This is a classic example of "Rudy at his very best"....you start with a simple (albeit exotic) fruit; add well-researched, informative and even poetic commentary; the usual stunning close-up photos (no one does food like you, Rudy!) add a sprinkle of international context; recoommend tips and suggestions and even a recipe for a tempting cocktail........no one else's Daily Photo stands a chance of making their city even remotely as interesting, visually beautiful or as useful to their readers as ADP! I do check some of the others, you know! —El Canche

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